First in Line: Analyzing Cultural Expectations and Family Dynamics Among Filipino Eldest Daughters

Filipino eldest daughters often carry distinct responsibilities shaped by cultural values and gendered expectations. This study explored their lived experiences of cultural expectations and family dynamics within the Filipino family context using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). In-depth semi-structured interviews enriched by indigenous methods such as pakikipagkwentuhan and pagtatanong-tanong were conducted with five purposively selected participants aged 18 to 25. Thematic analysis identified four major themes: cultural expectations imposed on eldest daughters, familial roles in the household, identity formation in emerging adulthood, and emotional coping and adjustment. Participants were expected to be obedient, self-sacrificing, emotionally strong, and role models for their siblings, while assuming caregiving and substitute-parent roles associated with parentification. These demands, rooted in familism or strong family-oriented values, promoted early maturity and resilience but also resulted in emotional burden, self-silencing or the suppression of personal needs, and difficulty setting personal boundaries. The study concludes that eldest daughterhood is a culturally embedded and demanding experience involving constant negotiation between family duty and selfhood. These findings contribute to Filipino family psychology by emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive interventions to support the mental health and well-being of eldest daughters.